Casting Info · Complete Collector’s Guide
1997 Hot Wheels Avus Quattro · Metalflake gold · Treasure Hunt — Casting Info & Complete Collector’s Guide
This metalflake-gold release is 11/12 in the 1997 Treasure Hunt series. The Audi hood logo, Avus and Hot Wheels side marks, tan interior, tinted windows and DW3 wheels distinguish it from the standard silver and red issues.
1997 Treasure Hunt release identity
| Manufacturer | Mattel |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hot Wheels |
| Model | Avus Quattro |
| Toy release year | 1997 |
| Finish | Metalflake gold |
| Wheel style | Saw Blade |
| Toy code | 16686 |
| Series / package | 1997 Treasure Hunt · 11/12 · #588/714 |
| Casting number | 5260 |
| Scale | 1:64 |
Physical details
This metalflake-gold release is 11/12 in the 1997 Treasure Hunt series. The Audi hood logo, Avus and Hot Wheels side marks, tan interior, tinted windows and DW3 wheels distinguish it from the standard silver and red issues.
Compare both axles, window tint, interior and base markings. The Avus silhouette stays the same across the family, so the wheel face, finish and release graphics are the details that separate this version.
Release identification
This metalflake-gold release is 11/12 in the 1997 Treasure Hunt series. The Audi hood logo, Avus and Hot Wheels side marks, tan interior, tinted windows and DW3 wheels distinguish it from the standard silver and red issues.
Packaging and condition
Record loose-car condition separately from its card or multipack. On this release, the best identification comes from matching the color, wheel pattern and graphics; packaging can help settle an uncertain year or distribution record.
Check the canopy for scratches and the body for paint wear. For chrome or metallic finishes, inspect in neutral light so reflections do not hide surface marks.
All Avus Quattro releases
Compare this version with the complete family. The same toy number or body color can appear on more than one wheel variation.
1993 · Silver · Ultra Hots1993 Mainline · #208/262 · 5260
1995 / 1996 · Silver · Black WallSilver mainline; Canada-only Black Wall record · Black-wall wheels · 5260
1995 · Silver · 5-Spoke1995 Mainline · 5SP · 52601996 / 1997 · Red · DW3Red mainline records · DW3 wheels · 5260
1996 · Red · 5-SpokeMainline; also documented in Super Show Cars 5-Pack · #453 · 5SP · 138681996 · Red · 7-Spoke1996 Mainline · #453 · 7SP · 138681997 · Metalflake gold · Treasure Hunt · This guide1997 Treasure Hunt · 11/12 · #588/714 · 16686
1998 · Unpainted ZAMAC · Convention edition12th Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention · Limited edition · 500 reported · 187891997 / 1998 · Silver · Toys “R” Us MultipackToys “R” Us multipack · 7SP · 13868
1998 · Black · Dash 4 CashDash 4 Cash · 3/4 · #723/908 · 18789
1998 · Black · Tech TonesTech Tones · 4/4 · #748/908 · 18814
1999 · Chrome · Mainline1999 Mainline · #1096/1121 · 24110
2001 · Metalflake purple · Mainline2001 Mainline · #104/240 · PR5 · 50634
Value Research
Compare the exact 1997 Hot Wheels Avus Quattro · Metalflake gold · Treasure Hunt record by finish, wheel design, release code, and original series or package. The shared Avus Quattro casting number 5260 does not identify a specific version. Where collector catalogs disagree on date attribution, keep the competing record context visible and use the package and wheel details to identify an example.
Assess loose-car condition separately from card or package condition. This guide assigns no unsupported price range.
Collector FAQs
What identifies this version?
Metalflake gold finish, DW3 wheels and the release or package context shown above.
Does toy code 16686 identify the wheel version?
Use the year, finish and wheel pattern with the code. Several Avus Quattro releases share casting or toy-code families.